Chapter 13

Arthur sat still on his kitchen table, staring ahead blankly as Viktor sat in the seat beside him. It had been established, no matter what, even with everyone knowing, he didn't want to be called Ivan. He despised the name, and the face he associated with it. Arthur was just as happy with that. Somehow it disassociated the man beside him with the things that he'd done in the past, and both of them saw that working out for the better. They established boundaries. It was alright to hug, though kisses were much less clear to Viktor. He had to ask, and even then it was only in certain areas, like the forehead or cheek.

When Viktor had asked about his lips, Arthur turned brighter red than he'd already been from the cheek question and shook his head, quite energetically, without a word. It was eventually decided it wasn't forbidden, but as with other kisses he had to ask, and not in front of other people. Viktor couldn't help but smile, seeing the shyness on him as he looked around the kitchen. Even though there had been no hugs or kisses shared, just the knowledge he had been speaking about it was enough to startle him around others.

Viktor didn't even bother asking him about anything more. With his stance on kisses, who knew how Arthur would have responded if the word 'sex' had even been mentioned. He chucked that knowledge to the back of his head, smiling when he knew that since he hadn't asked, it hadn't been a no.

But it sure as hell wasn't a yes, either.

He watched as Arthur sat across from him, a soft, subtly worried smile plastered across his face as the other ran around the kitchen. Arthur looked him over, a little shorter than himself, as thin as could be. He was obviously Asian, but there were quite a few countries with similar complexions, he wouldn't assume to know which. Long straight hair with a touch of a wave at the ends came down the center of his back, tied at the nape of his neck with a ribbon.

Arthur had heard he'd been taking the molestation since Arthur had left, and was surprised to find him in such high spirits. He watched as the man's dark brown eyes shone in the light from the window, almost seeming to illuminate in the bright sunshine as he mixed a few herbs and spices into the food. The smile on his face was so bright it almost hurt to look directly at it. "Hope you all hungry." He smiled as he mixed something and started making up plates. Arthur stared, the man's thick accent and deep voice startled him.

Arthur started to question his own masculinity again. Not as if he already made two guys crave him, somehow...

"Good day." Arthur mumbled as the man turned to the table. "I'm Arthur Kirkland. It's a pleasure to meet you." Arthur watched as the other man stilled, looking at him in surprise.

"Who he?" Yao pointed, glancing over at Alfred who giggled, covering his mouth before looking up.

"He's Viktor's boyfriend." Alfred watched as Yao paled, his jaw dropped before turning back and started to apologize before stilling and really looking at him.

"But he so small..." Yao nearly whispered, causing Arthur to turn bright red in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry I'm not all tall and strong like everyone else!" He bit out before standing and quickly making his way up the stairs.

Viktor watched, his eyes wide, surprised at the fire Arthur had kept there for a moment before turning to Yao in surprise. "It not my fault he so sensitive!" Yao nearly yelled, thrown off by his surprise at the sudden response. Most people knew him well enough to just roll their eyes. He didn't mean to offend people, but he spoke what was on his mind, sometimes without thought.

"Now you know. Please keep those thoughts to yourself!" Viktor spoke softly before running up the stairs.

He stood in front of the door. Deep breaths to calm himself took over as a priority before he opened the door, sliding silently into the room. Arthur paced the length of the bed, his face red and his arms crossed. "Arthur?"

"You didn't have to run up here, you know." Arthur turned, one long leg placed before the other. "I'm perfectly capable of calming myself down." He grumbled out before turning and started pacing again.

"Da, I didn't have to." Viktor stepped forward, his head tilted down and lightly to the side, making the eyes he kept on Arthur large looking. "Maybe I wanted another excuse to have you to myself for a minute." Viktor spoke softly and Arthur turned,

His eyes were skeptical, his mouth seemed squished to one side while one eyebrow stood above the other.

It wasn't basic skepticism. It was somehow more angry than that. "You just had me to yourself for an hour." Arthur stared as Viktor shifted his feet around, suddenly seeming nervous.

"But only to talk." Viktor nearly whispered out and Arthur stared, his eyes wide as his mouth started trying to form words that all fell away silently. Viktor turned and watched for a second before strolling over and lifted the other, sitting him again on his lap. Arthur looked up, the embarrassment from earlier died away, Arthur's eyes were wide, but not in fear, for once. "May I?" He asked softly and Arthur felt a shiver run down his spine before he gave a soft nod, not even thinking.

Viktor leaned down slowly, his hand gently caressing Arthur's cheeks, his soft eyes shifting between Arthur's trying to convey his own comfort. As lips softly brushed against his, Arthur let in a slight gasp, feeling warm fingertips trail down his neck and over his shoulder. "I love you." Viktor whispered, his bottom lip ever so gently sticking to Arthur's.

"Why?" Arthur whispered back before Viktor was kissing him again. He was so gentle and soft. Arthur felt his head spin, completely overwhelmed by the sensation of the one with him. He had a spiced scent, masculine, pleasant and not too strong. His fingers, which Arthur knew were strong, so gently caressed against his shoulder and ran down his arm. It made his hair stand on end, but somehow it was pleasant.

"Four days." Viktor leaned back, looking carefully into Arthur's eyes, his hand came back up to caress his cheek awkwardly, considering their faces were still only an inch away from the other. "I was trapped in darkness, no food, no light, no sound. I was alone, and afraid and the only thing that kept me from going completely insane was the memory of your eyes." Viktor ran a hand again over Arthur's cheeks. He watched as the younger man focused, his eyes going wide at the words.

Arthur hadn't remembered that Viktor had been hurt too. Somehow it wasn't embarrassing anymore. He looked up into warm red eyes that focused on him as if he were the most precious thing in the world. "Kiss me," Arthur's voice was softer than he'd intended. He watched as Viktor's eyes widened for a second before a smile lit his face and he leaned down, ever so gently pressing their lips together again.

It took longer before Viktor was done this time. His fingers brushed over his cheek and neck, and Arthur allowed him the freedom. Arthur let himself be swept away by tender touches and gentle kisses. When he pulled away for breath, soft panting as Viktor's forehead laid softly against Arthur's, their eyes watching the other carefully, Arthur felt the need to ask. "Why are you so careful with me?"

"I like being gentle. I like taking time and not being rushed, in making sure you feel cared about instead of just lusted after." Viktor smiled softly. "I love the feeling you give me when I see that smile in your eyes, when I know you're happy here." Viktor's hand softly ran over Arthur's chest, resting over his heart and Arthur stared with wide eyes before he broke out in a smile, pressing his head against Viktor's chest.

"Thank you." Arthur whispered. He looked up and allowed himself a little show of affection, reaching around to hug Viktor back. He didn't miss the giggled sigh at the action, which made him feel even lighter, more happy.

They came downstairs shortly after, Arthur doing his damnedest to hide the smile on his face and the light blush of his cheeks. "Looks like you two had a good talk." Alfred grinned at them and Arthur stared, turning bright red and crossed his arms.

"That's none of your concern!" He snipped, causing Alfred to laugh outright at him as he sat.

"You too, how you meet?" Yao's broken English caused Arthur to stare surprised for a second, trying to decode before he bit his lip closed, nibbling on his lip as he looked over to Viktor, who grinned.

"I kind of burned down his village." Viktor blushed, looking away and Yao swallowed hard, turning back to him.

"England?! He's from the English campaign?!" He yelled and Viktor let out a sheepish grin as he turned, his finger coming to his bottom lip as he nodded, looking as far away from Yao as he could.

"How old is you?" Yao asked near hyperventilation and Arthur turned, raising an eyebrow.

"Sixteen. Is that acceptable?" Arthur's voice held a cold note and Yao sighed, sitting hard.

"He wasn't intended to bring back anyone who wasn't a child. You must be only exception." Yao stared, trying to convey his meaning. He wasn't trying to be condescending, but his language skills weren't the best and he had a tendency of speaking his mind before he thought when he was worked up. "I didn't expect it." He spoke softly and Arthur nodded, letting out a breath at the understanding.

"If it makes you feel any better, neither did I." He let a light smile come to his face and Alfred burst out laughing.

"Considering what I heard, I guess you really didn't, did you?" Alfred watched as Arthur turned to him, confused before Viktor frowned.

"I told him about finding out you hadn't been invited to the meeting. It was kind of... weighing on my conscience. It was fine to keep you when I thought you could have stood up, but when I found out..." Viktor turned to him, his eyes showing regret and Arthur sighed, shaking his head softly.

"It's fine, love. I'm honestly glad to hear you had second thoughts anyway." Arthur shook his head, trying to hide a slight chuckle that tried to escape his throat, surprised to see Viktor looking at him with wide eyes and blushed cheeks.

Viktor broke out in a huge grin, nodding with a smile. He understood the instant he'd seen his face that he hadn't meant to say it, but that made it even better, Arthur calling him love.

Matthew groaned as he stood from the couch, walking over as Yao softly shook his shoulder to wake him to eat. He nearly crawled over, both Yao and Alfred glad to see he had pants on. "Hope I didn't snore too loudly for you." He whispered before looking over at Arthur and smiled. "Thanks for your care earlier. It really does feel better now." He smiled as he took a deep breath and Arthur smiled, glad to know he could help while Arthur frowned.

"What happened?" Alfred asked, his eyes shooting between his brother and Arthur.

"Ah, it was just a bit of a clot in his lung, probably from a rib puncture. Didn't take too long to get it out." He smiled as he looked over, seeing the large branch still leaning up against the wall by the front door. "It does remind me, though. I was given a branch. I'll need to strip it down tonight so I can try and make the staff tomorrow." He turned back to the table and Matthew frowned.

"How did this remind you of that?" He tilted his head softly as Yao laid out plates before everyone.

"I need tools for my magic. Maybe, once I get the staff and cloak together I'll be able to call the faeries. I don't think any will beat the tree I met today, though." He sighed, another soft smile coming to his face and Viktor stilled, seeing the comforted stance Arthur took, leaning forward, his elbow on the table so his palm could rest against his chin.

"You met... a tree?" Viktor chuckled and Arthur nodded.

"Her name was Lignum Vitae, I think. I know the Vitae part was right, but that language is so hard to understand sometimes." Arthur sighed. "She spoke with me a while about things. It was oddly calm, talking to a tree that could talk back. I can't help but wonder if she was a type of faery."

"I don't know if I like the thought of you running to a tree to get things off of your chest." Viktor pouted. "You should feel safe enough to come to me, Da?" Viktor spoke and Arthur stared.

With his eyes half lidded, an eyebrow arched and his lips pursed, Viktor couldn't tell if he was amused or angry. "She's the one who told me to talk to you and give you a chance to explain yourself." Arthur spoke in an almost monotone, watching as Viktor sat up in surprise.

"Nevermind! I like this tree!" He grinned and Arthur rolled his eyes, causing more laughter from Alfred.

"You two, I can't decide if you're adorable or tragic!" He laughed and Matthew slapped a hand over his mouth to keep from laughing at Alfred's response.

Somehow Arthur couldn't keep down a chuckle at the thought. Maybe together they were adorable? He couldn't deny that Viktor wasn't hard to look at by any means, but himself, not so much. He was too thin and bony. His hair refused to lay down straight and he often looked like a wet cat that had been struck by lightening. His eyes fluttered over, seeing Viktor smiling down at him and turned away, blushing at being caught looking. He heard the soft chuckle from beside him and felt a hand gently pat in the small of his back.

How was he so comforting? Arthur caught himself with a beaming smile, Alfred staring in surprise.

They ate rather quickly and Arthur looked out the window. The shops were still open, and he frowned, making a split second decision. "I'm going to go get the supplies for my cloak." He turned and Viktor nodded, standing.

"Let me go with you." He spoke, but it was easily told he was asking permission. Arthur nodded before turning back to Alfred.

"When you have enough energy to make the trip again, let me know. I want to try and free all of the advisers Ivan has near him. Without them, he'll lose his power over the land. If we can give them enough time to realize this is the real king, maybe our job can be easier when the time comes." Arthur spoke and Alfred nodded, showing his understanding. Matthew frowned.

"If we can only get one or two at a time, I have a request." He asked and Alfred nodded.

"Francis?" He asked and Mattie nodded, looking up.

"I have one as well." Arthur spoke softly and everyone turned to him, a little surprised he'd even met anymore of them. "One of Ivan's sisters was very kind to me. I'd like to try and save her soon, if at all possible." He spoke softly and Alfred nodded.

"That shouldn't be a problem." Alfred grinned and Arthur let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you." He spoke softly before turning and leaving, Viktor at his side.

They found a shop fairly quickly and Arthur took a little bit to choose his supplies. The perfect material was found, but it had been in a room in the back of the store, the shopkeeper mentioning no one ever used it had he couldn't even figure out why he had the material. Apparently it had arrived on a shipment of other cloth, with a note attached. Arthur frowned when the man spoke again.

"The material isn't very expensive, no one wants it, but I was told to give this to the first man who bought some." He spoke as he handed Arthur an envelope. He opened it, looking over gently looping letters, almost perfect handwriting.

'Arthur

Don't forget in the morning to go to Tino and Berwald. They can help you more than you realize. Also, trust Viktor more. He's more to you than just someone who calms you, and you know it. It's not a bad thing to let yourself fall for him. The money you were going to use on this cloak, use it to buy a few bottles of wine. Relax and let yourself go.

Before you come back to Russia, you must be able to admit you love him. You must have allowed yourself to be with him. Not everything you thought had passed is really behind you.

You need to learn to love and trust Viktor with your life.

Abbey'

"What on earth?!" Arthur burned bright red. He needed to be with Viktor? How in the hell, and Abbey? The little girl from his home village? She's like ten! This was by no means appropriate! "How long have you been holding this note?" He asked and the shopkeeper frowned, thinking.

"About three months. The last shipment to come in from England." He spoke. "Why?"

"It's from a friend of mine." He frowned, looking up at Viktor, who stared in surprise.

"A friend? Was it... Angel?" Viktor asked softly and Arthur shook his head.

"No, Abbey. A little girl." Arthur responded, looking back down.

"Ah, I remember her. She could see the future." Viktor smiled and Arthur stared, even more surprised.

"There was another magician in the city?!" He asked, completely bewildered and Viktor nodded.

"Da. She was very accurate, and a little intimidating. She called me the childish king." Viktor pouted and Arthur stared before outright laughing.

"In that case, we better follow her advice." Arthur smiled and Viktor looked at him, the curiosity showing so eagerly on his face. "She said I should get wine with the money I save from the cloak." He shrugged and Viktor nodded.

He wasn't going to complain about that!